About the programme
The SUR Programme hosts about 15 bachelor students with biology or medical backgrounds from around the world. Each participant works on an individual project in a host lab, joins weekly shared academic activities with the sister EPFL programme, presents a poster at a joint symposium and writes a final report. Social activities are included.
Duration: 8 weeks, 5 July to 27 August 2027
Eligibility
- Enrolled in biology, medicine or a closely related discipline with a strong biological sciences focus
- Completed two years of a bachelor's degree and be enrolled in the third year at the time of the programme
- Excellent written and spoken English
- Present for the entire programme (dates cannot be changed)
- Students of physical therapy, nursing, dentistry or veterinary science are not considered
- Sign in to check these against your background.
What they look for
- Strong academic record (typically GPA above 3.75 or equivalent, and/or top 5% class ranking)
- Strong personal statement and letters of recommendation are part of selection
- Prior research experience is not a selection criterion
Needs a third party. Two recommendation letters from people familiar with the applicant's academic work (e.g., professors)
What you receive
- Individual research project in a host laboratory
- Accommodation arranged and paid by the programme coordinator in a furnished shared apartment in Lausanne
- Scholarship of approximately CHF 1,500 for living expenses
- Limited travel reimbursement (up to CHF 500 European travel, CHF 1,200 overseas)
- Visa assistance (visa fees not covered)
- Weekly academic activities, career guidance and social activities
What you will need
- Application questionnaire (PDF, portrait format)
- Official academic transcripts (PDF, unprotected)
- Two recommendation letters
- Choice of two host laboratories
How to apply
- Apply online via the SUR application portal
- Upload the questionnaire, transcripts and documents in portrait PDF format
- Referees receive an automatic email to submit recommendation letters
- Applications are reviewed; outcome emailed about six weeks after the deadline
Applications are submitted on University of Lausanne (Unil) Faculty of Biology and Medicine, School of Biology’s own site. Open Doors helps you prepare; it is not the official application portal.
From people who applied
No notes yet.
Source and verification
- Official source
- University of Lausanne (Unil) Faculty of Biology and Medicine, School of Biology · Application
- Last checked
- 10 Nov 2026, read automatically from the official page
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